This weekend, Colony Days takes over downtown Palmer, and with it, plenty of opportunities to get outside, have fun and celebrate.

Colony Days kicks off Friday with several events, including the weekly Friday Flings open air market. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., kids games will be taking place in the Palmer Library parking lot as well. From noon to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Depot, a sidewalk art contest is taking place. At 6 p.m., don't miss the hilarious bed races on South Valley Way. Friday winds down with a cornhole tournament and then the "Swing Into Summer" community dance featuring the Feral Katz at the Palmer Depot.

On Saturday, you don't want to miss the annual parade, which runs throughout the downtown area along Main Street. The parade begins at 11 a.m., but make sure you get there early for a great viewing spot. Other popular Saturday events include the kids games, an antique farm tractors display, an open-air market, a tractor pull, live music and much more. Many of the events continue on Sunday as well. Throughout the weekend, live music will take place on the Friday Flings stage and at Palmer Alehouse.

on Sunday, the classic car and bike rally is from noon to 5 p.m. on S. Colony Way - come see some of Southcentral Alaska's hottest cars and motorcycles, all in one place. At 1 p.m. Sunday, the Rhubarb Revival cooking contest takes place at the Depot as well.

Don't forget to stop in at some of the local Palmer shops - many are offering Colony Days discounts and deals.

For a complete list of events, schedules and locations, visit www.palmerchamber.org.